Exploring Jaipur with Kids
As adults, we have figured out so many allurements of Jaipur that pull us back to ‘The Pink City’ again and again. Let’s visit this erstwhile royal city once more, but this time see it through the eyes of children. Think a crabby 15-year-old girl, a naughty 10-year-old boy, and a full-of-wonder 9-year-old girl who is still fascinated by castles and princesses.
Juggling the interests of these different age groups can be quite a challenge, but Jaipur more than rises to the occasion and helps you all along the way.
Planning Your Jaipur Trip with Kids
Set aside 4–5 days in the city to get into the swing of things. Abandon helicopter-mom mode and embrace the mood and mission of getting them to love the city as you do.
While you are about it, make sure everyone is dressed comfortably, dons sensible walking shoes, carries a hat, and stays well hydrated. Jaipur has a fantastic range of culinary options, so even the fussiest child’s food requirements are well taken care of.
The comfort-giving aspects of Jaipur for travellers stem from its ancient structural and cultural traditions. Matters like shopping, eating, sightseeing, resting, and medical aid are all readily addressed within the city confines itself—and its immediate surroundings where you are sure to travel. It's like being home, but in a more exotic location with plenty of novel things to discover.
Why Jaipur is Perfect for Family Travel
From dancing peacocks waking you at dawn to snooty camels bending a knee reluctantly to take you for a ride, to the occasional elephant ambling through a busy street, Jaipur will surely awaken your sense of adventure even in the smallest everyday things.
Best Things to Do in Jaipur with Kids: Cycle Rickshaw Tour & Old City Exploration
A great way to get a fix on the city’s history and heritage offerings is to start your day with a cycle rickshaw tour of the star attractions of Jaipur—amongst them its monuments, bazaars, and cultural hubs. Later, you can choose to spend more time at the individual places you like best.
The Pink City Rickshaw tour is ideal for this first jaunt. Do share with your teen daughter the inspirational stories of enterprise and socio-economic upliftment of the all-women-run Pink City Rickshaw Company. This amazing story should rouse her from her apathy and give her plenty of food for thought.
Point out the buildings of the old city, all painted in pink. Tell the kids the story behind why Jaipur is called the Pink City. Share with your ever-curious 10-year-old son how Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II gave directions to paint the city pink as a sign of welcome to the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) on his visit to Jaipur in 1876. Remind him how the city keeps a reminder of that historic welcome alive even to this day. In fact, it’s an enduring reflection of traditional Rajasthani hospitality for visitors.
Hawa Mahal & Jaipur Architecture
If your older daughter is aesthetically inclined, point out the marvellous architecture that defines Jaipur’s skyline. From palaces to havelis to pavilions, stepwells, households, courtyards, and beautifully structured markets in Old Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur’s most iconic images. Tell them about the backstory behind this palace made by a Raja for the pleasure of the royal ladies of his household. The queen, the princesses, and other women could look down on the bustling bazaar streets below in the Badi Chaupar (Big Market Square) area, but no one could see them through the 953 lacy stone windows (jharokhas), the main feature of this lovely palace. For photo ops, cross the street to one of the cafés, like Wind View Café, from where you get breathtaking views of the palace.
City Palace & Jantar Mantar Experience
The afternoon sun will chase you into the cool confines of the stunning City Palace, a fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, and Western architecture, built by Maharaja Jai Singh. This sprawling edifice comprises a medley of elegant palaces, courtyards, museums, gardens, and painterly gates. Recapture Jaipur’s royal past in the fabulous display at the museum. Bet the kids will get blown away by the massive silver urns which contained Ganga Jal when Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II visited London. These urns are the world’s largest silver vessels at 340 kg each. You might find your son still lingering in the fascinating weaponry section—your daughters amongst the royal costume and jewellery displays. You can catch a bite at the little café here in the palace complex. Sometimes a puppet show can be arranged on special request here.
The Jantar Mantar, located close to the City Palace, is an astrological observatory and an engineering marvel. Unleash your son on the fantastic array of 19 astrological measuring devices dating to 1734. Unmissable here is the world’s largest sundial. Built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II in the 1700s, the Jantar Mantar can be lots of fun for the entire family.
Museums & Cultural Spots for Kids
As a special treat for your little daughter, head to the Dolls Museum located inside the Albert Museum. On display is a delightful range of dolls dressed in traditional attire, not only from around India but from other countries as well.
Jaipur is a fascinating place for its artisanal beauty. Across town, there are gateways, doorways, stepwells, and courtyards to discover these charming aspects of the city. The Patrika Gate is a popular Insta-worthy hub. At the City Palace, there’s the stunning Chandra Mahal, with gorgeous frescoes. The Pritam Chowk is marked by the four painted entry points, each representing a different season: Lotus Gate (summer), Leheriya Gate (spring), Peacock Gate (autumn), and Rose Gate (winter).
Amer Fort & Unique Experiences
A visit to Amer Fort is something the entire family will love. From its fascinating Sheesh Mahal, its lofty ramparts, and its courtyards and secret passages—there are adventures galore to explore. Read up on this fascinating old capital of the Jaipur rajas and share the stories as you walk from one point to the next in the sprawling fortress.
Elefantastic, located close to Amer, offers a truly memorable animal-friendly experience. The kids can feed, bathe, and even enjoy some ethical painting of these gentle pachyderms.
Jal Mahal & Local Experiences
One day, at sunset, hire a car and head out for the lovely Jal Mahal Palace, located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Dating back more than 300 years, this water palace looks magical in the light of a dying sun. The verdant path along the waterline is lively with picnicking families who gather here to enjoy the twilight show.
One morning, arrange a trip to the Phool Mandi. A fascinating world of fragrance and colour, commerce and culture, this flower market is an unmissable part of Jaipur’s daily life. Later, you can join local worshippers at the popular Govind Dev Ji Temple during the morning aarti. Sign up for a cycle tour of the city one morning, and you should also work in a customised cookery class for the family in your itinerary. Teach the kids a new skill amidst the messes, mistakes, and laughter.
Shopping in Jaipur with Kids
Shopping in Jaipur's bazaars appeals to people of all ages. Some unmissable places to bargain and buy at will are Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Bazaar. The kids can even watch craftsmen at work in pockets of these traditional bazaars.
Where to Eat in Jaipur with Kids
Jaipur has an amazing range of culinary experiences on offer. From the simple dal-baati-choorma to delight-giving pastas, kormas, and kebabs, to mouthwatering street food—take your pick. Kid-friendly restaurants include LMB (Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar), Tapri Central, Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Spice Court, Niros, Bikanerwala, Chokhi Dhani…
Wildlife Safari Near Jaipur
A wildlife safari is a great way to wrap up your Jaipur tour with kids. Did you know that the Jhalana Leopard Reserve is just 20 minutes away from the city? You can catch either the morning or the afternoon safari. Most days, you can get some exceptional sightings of these elusive big cats. A smart guide can make it really all worthwhile!